Why Ross Báez bet on the bench: “We need to make sure we are focused” originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Javy Báez slowed down between second and third base. He seemed to have recognized his mistake in running, but it was too late to correct it.
“I had the whole time that there were two outs,” said Báez afterwards Boys‘ 0: 4 loss to Cleveland On Monday.
There was only one out. Cubs manager David Ross put Báez on the bench after his inning-ending slip in fourth place. Sergio Alcántara took the place of Báez on shortstop.
“We just have to make sure that we are focused and locked in during the game and sometimes our frustrations can get a little distracting,” said Ross. “We had a good time. I think that’s behind us.”
Báez had reached the first base after an outfield player’s choice. With an out in the frame, Anthony Rizzo hit a long flyball on the left field. Báez started as if there were two outs.
“I blame myself,” said Báez. “I couldn’t count the outs anymore.”
Cleveland left fielder Eddie Rosario passed a throw for the first for double play. No urgency required. On the other side of the field, Báez made no attempt to retrace his steps.
“I was just surprised,” said Báez of Ross, who pulled him out of the game. “Of course I never want to leave the line-up. And I respect his decision. ”
When asked if he would have benched another player under the same circumstances, Ross referred to last season when he benched Kyle Schwarber after misplaying a ball off the left wall.
“I’m not trying to ever set an example to Javy,” said Ross. “This guy plays his butt off and gets it 99.9 percent of the time. It’s not about setting an example to a star player who is a big part of this team. That’s not it. It’s just, let’s get someone fresh in and let them regroup and they’ll be back tomorrow. ”
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